Imagine reaching a staggering 700 appearances in the EFL—a feat that only a handful of players have ever achieved. But here's where it gets even more inspiring: Albert Adomah, the seasoned Walsall winger, isn't just celebrating this milestone; he's using it as a springboard to chase an even bigger dream: promotion. At 38, Adomah is proving that age is just a number, and his journey is far from over.
Adomah’s 700th appearance came in a 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury last Saturday, coincidentally on his birthday. It was a moment that blended personal celebration with professional achievement. The former Ghana international, known for his globetrotting career, has now set his sights on an even more ambitious target: 800 matches. But it’s not just about the numbers for Adomah. He’s determined to help Walsall secure promotion to League One, a goal that would crown his remarkable career in perfect fashion.
And this is the part most people miss: While Adomah’s 700 EFL appearances are impressive, they don’t include his two Premier League outings with Middlesbrough or his play-off matches. Even so, he’s still far behind Peter Shilton’s record of 1,005 appearances. For outfield players, Grimsby’s Tony Ford holds the record with 931. Yet, Adomah isn’t deterred. “Chasing 800 would be the next goal,” he told BBC WM, adding, “I just have to keep on going and I must be doing something right.”
This season has been particularly special for Adomah. In September, he scored his 100th career goal, another milestone in a year already filled with achievements. Walsall, who narrowly missed promotion last season after leading League Two for much of the campaign, are once again at the top of the table. Manager Mat Sadler’s side is determined not to let this opportunity slip away, and Adomah is at the heart of that effort.
“Promotion would be amazing, and I’m not shy to say that’s the target,” Adomah declared. “After last year’s disappointment, we’re more motivated than ever. Whether it’s automatic promotion or through the play-offs, that’s the goal now.”
But here's where it gets controversial: While Adomah’s focus is on team success, his personal milestones have sparked debates among fans. Some argue that chasing individual records can distract from collective goals, while others believe his experience and ambition are exactly what Walsall needs. What do you think? Is Adomah’s pursuit of 800 appearances a distraction, or is it a testament to his dedication and longevity in the game? Let us know in the comments below.
As Adomah continues to rack up appearances and chase promotion, one thing is clear: his journey is far from over. With Walsall leading League Two and his own form showing no signs of slowing, this could be the season where both player and club achieve their dreams. Will Adomah’s 700th appearance be remembered as a stepping stone to glory? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—he’s not done writing his story yet.
